What is voice-over?
In audiovisual translations, the term "voice-over" refers to a voice recording that is placed over the original speaker's voice. Instead of replacing the original sound with a synchronised or dubbed version, the recorded German version is placed over the original speaker, who can be heard quietly in the background.
Where is voice-over found?
In Germany, voice-over versions are almost exclusively used in non-fiction formats, such as documentaries, reports, reality TV, casting shows, etc.
How is a voice-over version created?
For a voice-over translation, we (ideally) receive the visual material and a script in the original language. As with all audiovisual translations, harmonisation of the text with the images, editing, and sound is key. We ultimately want the German script to be ready for addition of the soundtrack. Thus, the work never requires "mere" translation, but always adaptation.
Since voice-overs are typically used in non-fiction media, research – such as fact-checking for a historical documentary – is often necessary. In order to provide correct translations, we're required to quickly become experts in a variety of specialised fields.
What are the most important rules?
- The German text to be recorded should not be longer than the text spoken in the original. A distinction is made between the narrative voice and original sound. The original narrative voice is faded out, while the original-language original sounds remain quietly audible under the German voice. With the original sounds, the German text should start shortly after the original speaker begins, and stop shortly before the end of their statement. Unlike with dubbing, the German voices do not overlap in the voice-over. Whether you're working with the narrative voice or original sound, in the vast majority of cases, you have to shorten the German text.
- We're talking about spoken language! Rules that apply to written language can and must be broken. We are not writing a Thomas Mann novel, but a text that is understandable for listeners. Therefore:
- Many short sentences are better than few long, complex sentences.
- Use present perfect rather than simple past (applies to German!).
- Use abbreviated, spoken-language forms like "Ich hab" (similar to “I've”) instead of "Ich habe" (“I have”).
- The German text should match the image and editing. If someone says: "Then I go around the corner, and suddenly there's a bear", the corner should come into the picture before the bear.
- The German text should match the audible original sounds. If there are keywords at the beginning or end, we put them in the same place in German if possible.
What other tips do we have?
- We recommend speaking the translated version alongside the original. This is a good way to check whether the rules are being adhered to.
- Voice-over translation for series is often done in teams. We coordinate our efforts to ensure consistency across all episodes.
If needed, all rules can be bent creatively.
